AGTS News: Charlie Self authors new book, Flourishing Churches and Communities: A Pentecostal Primer on Faith, Work and Economics for Spirit-Empowered Discipleship

Dr. Charlie Self, director of the Ph.D. in Bible and Theology Program and associate professor of church history at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), authored the newly released book Flourishing Churches and Communities: A Pentecostal Primer on Faith, Work, and Economics for Spirit-Empowered Discipleship, published by the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty.

This uniquely Pentecostal work challenges leaders in the church and the business community along with all followers of Christ to robust Christian living and mission in all domains of life. The book is particularly important as local churches are encouraged to discover what the Holy Spirit is doing in their region and be part of the spiritual, social and economic renewal of the land. The work incorporates Scripture, practical application and testimonies from all walks of life. Dr. Self brings more than 30 years of academic, pastoral and work experience to this effort.

In conjunction with this book release, AGTS and The Acton Institute will present “Flourishing Churches and Communities:Faith, Work and Economics in Spirit-Empowered Discipleship” beginning at Noon on
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at AGTS (1435 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Mo., 65802).

The public is invited to this free event that will unite Christians in faith and business communities together in strategic conversation.

The economic uncertainty, moral confusion and spiritual hunger of our day call for dialogue among thoughtful people across diverse domains. In the past two decades, there has been intense interest and significant progress in the integration of ethics and economics, business and mission, with clerical and lay leaders finding new places of partnership.

Thoughtful Christian leaders realize that evangelization and church planting/revitalization require fresh strategies as we confront challenges of cultural diversity, religious competition and skepticism and unprecedented social needs. The good news is that biblical faith and the empowerment of the Spirit provide the resources for local churches and communities to flourish as expressions of the kingdom of God. In order to realize this vision, church leaders, along with business, educational, social service and cultural leaders need to engage in serious conversations about issues so important to all of us as followers of Jesus.

The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary is dedicated to educating servant-leaders who are led by the Spirit for today's Church.

The Acton Institute is dedicated to the integration of Judeo-Christian truths with free market principles and supports efforts of Christians from all traditions that enable the advancement of the Mission of God and human flourishing.

Dr. Self will host this event. In addition to his roles at AGTS, he is also a senior advisor for the Acton Institute, tasked with mobilizing leaders to deep thought and decisive action.

Schedule: (These sessions will be recorded and video posted to the AGTS website after the event.)

Noon–1:30 p.m.: Keynote Addresses

"New Frontiers of Mission and Economics," Stephen Grabill, director of programs and international and research scholar in theology at Acton

"Exploration and Leading Change," Dwight Gibson, director of program outreach at Acton and a “chief exploration officer” with decades of church and corporate experience, will inspire us on leading change